Many might view the state of Arizona as one vast deserted land with cactus as far as the eye can see, but artists flock to Arizona for inspiration from not only the desert scenery around Scottsdale and Phoenix, but for the forested, cooler Northern towns of Flagstaff, Prescott and Sedona. Each area has its own unique cultural hub full of art events, galleries and museums that celebrate the Western genre and more.
Beginning in Scottsdale, the Old Town district is home to a large art district of more than 50 galleries, all within walking distance. Art destinations such as King Galleries and Legacy Gallery help bring Western art to the streets of the “West’s most Western town.”
Every Thursday, the galleries stay open late for Gold Palette ArtWalk from 6 to 9 p.m., with some themed nights put on by the Scottsdale Gallery Association.
Overlooking Downtown Phoenix. Photo by dspaz.com. © Visit Phoenix
Close by is the popular Western Spirit: Scottdale’s Museum of the West, with its many high-quality exhibitions dedicated to art of the West. One such exhibition that began in October and runs through August 3 is Maynord Dixon’s American West, a retrospective dedicated to the artist’s successful career.
The northern town of Flagstaff also has a vibrant art scene with First Friday ArtWalk from 6 to 9 p.m. in the historic downtown area. Visitors can also enjoy live music, special art exhibitions and many local restaurants and bars. With the town’s rich history of Native American culture and its close proximity to the Grand Canyon, the nearby Museum of Northern Arizona showcases a large collection of Native American and Anglo-American work.
Hiking in Sedona.
Heading southwest, the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg also honors the West with annual events and shows such as Cowgirl Up! Art from the Other Half of the West. This year’s exhibition and sale will run from March 26 through September 5, and will feature prominent women artists from all around the West.
In nearby Prescott is the Phippen Museum. The museum plays an important role in the preservation of art of the American West by displaying Native American artifacts, showcasing permanent displays, rotating exhibits, and events and programs throughout the year. This year marks the 47th annual Western Art Show & Sale, held over Memorial Day weekend in the historic Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza in Downtown Prescott. Works displayed and featured in the juried show will be Western-themed pieces in acrylic, drawing, mixed media, oil, pastel, sculpture and watercolor.
Prescott’s Yavapai County Courthouse.
In the southern part of the state, you can find the city of Tucson, with its quintessential Southwest vibe of adobe houses and desert landscape. Such inspiring scenery gave birth to the Tucson Museum of Art, filled with historic works of the American West. Visitors will also find galleries such as Settlers West Galleries and Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery.
Additional galleries, museums, auctions and events populate the state including Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Mountain Trails Gallery. You can also find the work of artists Bill Nebeker and Risa Waldt. Continue reading this section to get more insights and information to help plan your next art adventure.
Settlers West Gallery
6420 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718
(520) 299-2607, www.settlerswest.com
Settlers West Gallery approaches their 50th year and proudly represents work by talented artists depicting treasures of the American West. Each of these masterful works pictured, showcases the artists’ well-established strengths while offering the viewer a little something extra.
For decades, William Acheff has produced stunning Trompe l’Oeil, marrying sometimes seemingly disparate objects into a thematic whole. The “brilliant” in the title of Brilliant Peaches, could refer to the taste, fragrance, boldness or color, or pure luminosity of the luscious fruit in the foreground. This painting activates all the senses.
William Acheff, Brilliant Peaches, oil, 10 x 12"
R.S. Riddick’s combination of solitude and tranquility feels like a welcome respite during tumultuous times, like the subtle tones of the lone figure with his mount set off by the artist’s signature bold clouds in the background of Dawning Voice. Riddick’s comprehensive research of his subjects adds a layer of realism that intersects perfectly with the texture and dynamics of this piece.
Scott Tallman Powers, Morning with Marigolds-Oaxaca, oil, 42 x 30"
Scott Tallman Powers, ever the intrepid and inspired traveler, has spent countless hours exploring Mexican streets in cities like Oaxaca looking for just the right people, light and backdrop. While the patterns of light and shadow combined with Power’s bold mastery of color behind the subject draw the viewer’s eye from across the room, it’s his mastery of figurative painting that seals the deal.
R.S. Riddick, Dawning Voice, oil, 28 x 28"
When purchasing significant works of art, researching an artist’s strengths and awards can be a valuable tool. That said, while looking for strong examples, it’s ultimately more important to find that little something extra in a work that keeps your attention and pulls your eyes back once you start to look away.
Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery
6872 E. Sunrise Drive, Suite 130,
Tucson, AZ 85750, (520) 722-7798
www.medicinemangallery.com
Medicine Man Gallery will enjoy a bountiful abundance of art in December and January with three separate art shows going on simultaneously. The three exhibits include new works by Josh Elliott, Dave Meikle and Stephen C. Datz. Medicine Man Gallery is known for embracing landscapes of the Southwest, and this winter will be a bonanza for those who are similarly inclined.
Stephen C. Datz, Kolob Moonrise, oil, 10 x 10”
Josh Elliott’s show will focus on Canyon de Chelly, the Colorado Plateau and Death Valley, each inspired by recent painting trips. Elliot has produced seminal works for his one-person exhibit and sale.
David Meikle’s Desert Elements is a compilation of 16 paintings of Utah, including three large Zion paintings, Arizona’s Canyonlands and the Sonoran Desert. It is David’s largest and most complex show to date.
David Meikle, Heights of Zion, oil, 36 x 48"
Josh Elliott, Shiprock, Shadows and Shelter, oil, 35 x 32"
Stephen C. Datz’s annual January show—this year’s title, Southwest Sojourns—focuses on Datz’s stomping grounds: Canyon de Chelly, Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Colorado National Monument and his new favorite area of exploration, the Tucson Catalina Mountains and the Sonoran Desert.
Interviews with all three artists can be viewed or listened to on the Art Dealer Diaries podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast platform, hosted by Dr. Mark Sublette, owner of Medicine Man Gallery.
Legacy Gallery
7178 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 945-1113, www.legacygallery.com
The Legacy Gallery, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been a staple in the Western art world for the past 32 years. They specialize in Western, Americana and landscape works, and represent the top Western artists including Bill Anton, Glenn Dean, Martin Grelle, John Coleman, Kyle Polzin, Jim Norton, and David Mann to name a few.
Bill Anton, Eye to Eye, oil, 30 x 36"
Owners Brad and Jinger Richardson are second-generation art dealers using their expertise to create an education-based atmosphere through their sales staff. “We provide fine art that stands the test of time for all collector levels—from established connoisseurs to new enthusiasts,” Brad explains.
John Moyers, Navajo Blankets, oil, 40 x 40"
Legacy has two outstanding shows coming up this spring. The first show is a group of nine artists called The Painted West Show. The show will run from February 12 through February 21, with the artist reception on February 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. This much-anticipated show will exhibit the works of Bill Anton, G. Russell Case, Glenn Dean, John Moyers, Terri Kelly Moyers, Kyle Polzin, Jason Rich, Matt Smith and Morgan Weistling. This grouping of artists conveys all different styles of Western art from the realistic to the contemporary. Each artist will have 5 to 7 new pieces to display.
Jason Rich, Returning the Gray, 18 x 25"
Legacy’s next show will be for acclaimed artist Jeremy Lipking on March 13, and will feature 15 new works of both Western and Americana works. The show will hang until March 21.
Mountain Trails Gallery
336 SR 179, Suite A201, Sedona, AZ 86339, (928) 828-3225
fineart@mountaintrailssedona.com, www.mountaintrailsseonda.com
Mountain Trails Gallery at Tlaquepaque in Sedona, Arizona, has been a destination gallery for Western and American fine art painting and sculpture for more than 30 years. The gallery has more than 50 award-winning artists who are inspired by all the unique experiences of living in the West as they highlight its never-ending options for beauty and adventure in their work.
Marcia Molnar, December Morning, oil, 24 x 14”The gallery continues to grow as a destination for Grand Canyon paintings, colorful plein air work, wildlife art in sculpture and painting, compelling historical subjects and ranching life, as well as mixed media fine art.
Betty Carr, Conversation of Autumn, oil, 18 x 24”
Susan Kliewer, Shearing Time, bronze, 8½ x 13 x 5”
“Artists and art collectors alike have not let the pandemic stop them from continuing their appreciation for each other,” says Julie R. Williams, director of Mountain Trails Gallery. “Arizona’s natural beauty, rich history and attractive lifestyle continue to provide fertile ground for both the creation of amazing artwork and those wishing to add pieces to their homes and work spaces. I have felt the gratitude from both sides throughout this year and feel confident that if we continue to focus on providing the highest quality art available, sincere customer service and unwavering integrity, we will not only thrive but also grow. The state of art in Arizona is strong and flourishing.”
King Galleries
7077 E. Main Street, #20, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 481-0187, www.kinggalleries.com
The focus on Native American people, history and culture can be seen throughout the work in King Galleries. Both Native American and regional artists with the gallery have distinctive viewpoints as well as their own creative painting techniques.
Kwani Povi Winder, Those Who Came Before, oil, 12 x 9"
“It is important to understand the artists and their background to fully appreciate the creativity and power of their art,” says the gallery.
Derek No-Sun Brown uses India ink on his canvas. Brown says his paintings are a reflection of his Shoshone-Bannock and Anishinaabe ancestry, reflecting a strong traditional philosophy within the context of his art.
Derek No-Sun Brown, Power, Indian ink on canvas, 24 x 36"
Kwani Povi Winder is known for her realistic portrayals of Santa Clara people and dances. Her oil paintings are highly detailed and capture cultural and personal moments in time.
Roseta Santiago, Rendezvous with Martin Hennings, oil, 24 x 30"
Roseta Santiago is a regional artist known for her realism and thoughtful portrayal of Native Americans. The color, detail and visual story of each painting is vibrant and creative.
The artists show at both King Galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Desert Caballeros Western Museum
21 N. Frontier Street, Wickenburg, AZ 85390
928-684-2272, info@westernmuseum.org
www.westernmuseum.org
The 16th annual Cowgirl Up! Art from the Other Half of the West will feature work from more than 60 Western artists, all women. Located in beautiful Wickenburg, Arizona, at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Cowgirl Up! Invitational Exhibition and Sale will run from March 26 through September 5, 2021.
Linda Glover Gooch, Hallelujah, oil, 30 x 40"
The Desert Caballeros Western Museum is an accredited museum by the American Alliance of Museums. Known as “Arizona’s most Western museum,” Desert Caballeros serves 50,000 visitors a year, preserves and exhibits the art and history of the Southwest, and is well known for its innovative exhibitions and programming.
The museum’s world-renowned collection of American Western fine art, American Indian art and artifacts and captivating interactive exhibits create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Shawn Cameron, Springtime on the Sixes, oil on linen canvas, 18 x 24"
Barbara Meikle, River Keeper, oil on canvas, 48 x 24"
Desert Caballeros also has two stores: the Museum Store and Ranch Dressing, which carries Cowgirl Up! merchandise throughout the run of the show. Visitors will be able to view the show and purchase art in-person or online. For information on hours of operation and health and safety precautions, please refer to the museum’s website.
Bill Nebeker
(928) 445-7170, nebekerart@cableone.net
During Covid lockdowns, Bill Nebeker was busy completing two larger-than-life sculptures for the city of Prescott, and two smaller versions for sale.
His 2½-ton, life-size bronze If Horses Could Talk was unveiled at Deep Well Ranch Road/Highway 89 roundabout, entrance to Prescott’s new Ernest A. Love Airport Terminal. Five editions are available of this monumental bronze for any home, business, ranch or museum. A smaller size is also available.
Bill Nebeker, If Horses Could Talk, bronze, 14 x 10 x 8'
Nebeker also completed Lest We Forget, the 8-foot Yavapai County Fallen Officers Memorial, and honors law officers who have given their lives throughout the history of the county. Commissioned to be placed on Prescott’s historic Courthouse Plaza at the end of 2020, Nebeker created a smaller edition now for sale.
Bill Nebeker, Lest We Forget, bronze, 21 x 9 x 7"
Nebeker also portrays a United States Deputy Marshall “loaded to bear” in High Noon. The piece depicts a lawman with a historic 1880s stagecoach shotgun and two pistols as he waits for a known outlaw who is heard to be coming into town on the noon train.
Bill Nebeker, High Noon, bronze, 32 x 15 x 16"
In the American Wild West, law and order was needed to make settlements safe and secure for the farmers, ranchers, storekeepers and miners. There were local sheriffs, but whenever extremely dangerous murderer, bank robbers or horse thieves began terrorizing the towns, a United States Marshall or his deputy were sent to establish peace, and secure safety again.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Ironwood Art Gallery
2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 883-3024, arts@desertmuseum.org
www.desertmuseum.org
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a renowned combination of zoo, natural history museum, botanical garden and art gallery that reflects the diverse flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. The ASDM Art Institute was founded more than 20 years ago with the goal of promoting conservation through art education.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona. Photo by Jay Pierstorf.
In the 1990s, Priscilla Baldwin studied botanical illustration and became an ardent conservationist. With her husband, Michael Baldwin, they founded the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum School of Natural History Art. A few years later, it was re-named Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Art Institute (AI). Today, the Art Institute provides art classes, curates art exhibits, manages a growing art collection and hosts an artist-in-residence program, all of which attracts students and visitors from around the world.
Shirley Isola, Major Mac, scratchboard, 18 x 14"
“To offset our low attendance during the pandemic, we have put our art pieces for sale on the website. This has enabled many more people to enjoy our exhibitions,” says Marie McGhee, associate director of the museum.
Priscilla Baldwin, Mother and Baby, scratchboard, 18 x 14"
This year, the Ironwood gallery at the Art Institute is proud to host the International Society of Scratchboard Artists (ISSA) 9th Annual International Exhibition. Both an exhibition and competition, the show will feature more than 60 pieces of scratchboard art defy expectations. The exhibition will run February 7, 2021, when they will also be hosting Vanishing Circles: Portraits of Disappearing Wildlife of the Sonoran Desert Region, including works of art that portray vulnerable, endangered and extirpated species indigenous to the Sonoran Desert regions.
Risa Waldt
House of the Red Tails Studio/Gallery
(520) 825-9601, www.risawaldtfineart.com
Born and Raised in Arizona, Risa Waldt still calls this place of light and color her home. “In my 50-plus years painting watercolor, palette-knife oil and mixed medium,” says Waldt, “plein air is my favorite venue.” Murals are also a favorite for this talented artist.
Waldt hopes viewers take time looking at and enjoying her conversation between her beautiful use of color and exciting brushstrokes. “Color reaches human senses deeply,” she says. “Keeping beauty in your home or office usually gives viewers ease, thus we are usually easier to get along with.”
Risa Waldt, Southern Arizona Sunset, watercolor, 5 x 17"
Waldt is in the Who’s Who of American Women (2000-2001 edition), received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, and is an award winner for the National League of American Pen Women and Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild. Waldt is also a Women Artists of the West signature member and is a part of the Saguaro Fellow Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild.
In addition, Waldt has had solo and group shows with national art organizations across the United States, and exhibits at Art on the Llano Estacado each spring at the Texas Tech Museum.
Powered by Froala Editor
